Sister Jacqueline Paradis

February 9, 2011

Sister Jacqueline Paradis
CUMBERLAND - Sister Jacqueline Paradis (Sr. Jacqueline Marie), SUSC of Mt. St. Rita Health Center, Cumberland, RI died on February 9 at the age of 69. She was born in Providence, RI on August 11, 1941, the daughter of the late Emile and Beatrice (Hall)Paradis. Her brother, Rene, predeceased her as an infant. In addition to her Holy Union Sisters, her aunt Mrs. Lucille Coutu of Central Falls and several cousins survive her.
Sister Jacqueline graduated from St. John the Baptist Academy, Pawtucket, RI. She entered the Holy Union Sisters in Groton, MA on September 6, 1959, and pronounced her final vows on August 15, 1968. She studied at the Sacred Heart Teacher Training School, Groton, and received a B.S. degree in Education from Catholic Teachers' College, Providence. She did additional studies at the College of the Sacred Hearts, Rhode Island College and Providence College.
Sr. Jacqueline taught middle school at Rose Hawthorne School, Concord, MA, St. Jacques School, Taunton, Sacred Heart School, Lawrence where she taught junior high class and then served as principal. Her last teaching assignment was seventh grade in her home parish of St. Cecilia, Pawtucket.
In 1988, Sr. Jacqueline became a childcare worker at the Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter in Central Falls, RI. In 1990, she began work as an intake interviewer at the Blackstone Valley Emergency Food Center, a ministry she continued until last year. She was a pastoral minister to the sick and elderly in St. Cecilia Parish and served on the parish Pro-life Committee and the Centennial Committee. Sister Jacqueline also served on committees within her Holy Union community.
Failing health caused her to move to Mt. St. Rita Health Center, Cumberland, RI in December 2010 where she remained until her death. The wake, vigil service, and Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Cecilia Church, Pawtucket, RI beginning at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 11. The Mass will be at 11 a.m. Following the Mass the burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. Arrangements are by Sperry and McHoul Funeral Home, 15 Grove Street, North Attleboro.
Donations in Sister Jacqueline's memory may be made to: The Holy Union Sisters Mission Advancement Office, PO BOX 410, MILTON MA, 02186-0006